The Blueprint with Jen Psaki

Don’t Calm Down, with Maxwell Alejandro Frost

Jen Psaki, Maxwell Alejandro Frost, Lis Smith — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:50:00 +0000

The youngest person in Congress, Representative Maxwell Alejandro Frost of the Florida 10th, says he’s "very pissed off" about the eight senators who agreed to a deal with the GOP to end the shutdown. He says that group – average age 69 – is behaving as though we’re not in a new political era. “When we have Democrats living in a political world that doesn't exist anymore, and Republicans living in reality, we will lose.” He says to be effective, Democrats need to “unshackle ourselves from the way things have been so we can be more like ourselves.” And the party needs to really fight for Americans to get decent health care, not just restore Republican cuts. "A lot of people have healthcare and it sucks,” he says. “So it's not just that we need everyone to have sucky healthcare. It is: we need everyone to have good healthcare.” Before that, Jen and Democratic strategist Lis Smith rewind the emotional rollercoaster of the last seven days – a blue wave crashing into a backroom deal.

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We’re Not Dead, Baby!, with David Plouffe

Jen Psaki, David Plouffe, Lis Smith — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:45:00 +0000

Last night felt like a make-or-break moment for Democrats, as voters handed decisive victories to the party, especially in New Jersey, Virginia, and New York City. The three candidates that won in those places (Mikie Sherrill, Abigail Spanberger, and Zohran Mamdani respectively) are very different from each other and ran very different campaigns, showing that there isn’t only one face of the Democratic party.

David Plouffe, Democratic strategist and former campaign manager to Barack Obama, joins Jen Psaki and Lis Smith to analyze the races, the key takeaways, and how the Dems can take advantage of the momentum to stage a return to power.

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Grace Is Necessary, with Sarah McBride

Jen Psaki, Sarah McBride, Lis Smith — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:40:00 +0000

The freshman Congresswoman from Delaware has been a politics nerd from a young age. Sarah McBride had Joe Biden’s autograph on her wall growing up, interned in the Obama White House, and then was elected a Delaware State Senator. In that role, she helped pass the largest increase in the social safety net in the state’s history. McBride is known for being the first openly transgender member of Congress, and she says it’s been difficult, and lonely. But she’s in the fight to win – which she says is only possible by rejecting purity tests and welcoming everyone with good intentions to the Democratic coalition. "I think too often we find ourselves wanting the comfort of preaching to our own choir,” she says, “rather than exercising the courage to truly grow our congregation.”

And before we hear from McBride, Lis Smith is here to discuss the lessons Democrats can learn from Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner and Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger about how to weather a crisis.

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We Cannot Abandon Our Convictions, with Andy Beshear

Jen Psaki, Andy Beshear, Lis Smith — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:35:00 +0000

The two-term governor of Kentucky is a Democrat – and he runs a state Trump won by 30 points last year. He’s got plenty to say about what’s holding Democrats back and where they go from here. His most direct advice? “Talk normal.” And he doesn’t shy away from standing up for things he believes in even when they’re unpopular in his deep red state. As one of the most popular governors in the country, it's a pretty safe bet he’ll join the field of Democrats running for president in 2028. Before that, Jen and Democratic strategist Lis Smith talk about how Democrats can win on the immigration debate, becoming a party that stands for more than being anti-Trump, and the gerontocracy fights back via Cincinnati Bengal Joe Flacco.

Editors’ Note: In this episode, Jen Psaki and Lis Smith discuss the NYC Mayoral race. We want to note that previously in her career, Lis Smith worked for and advised former Governor Andrew Cuomo who is currently running for mayor.

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Buckle Up and Fight This Thing, with Rachel Maddow and the hosts of “I’ve Had It”

Jen Psaki, Rachel Maddow, Jennifer Welch, Angie Sullivan — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:30:00 +0000

Many of your favorite MSNBC hosts gathered recently at an annual fan event to talk about the future of the Democratic party and democracy itself. Jen teamed up with Rachel Maddow to tackle tough and thoughtful questions from audience members including how to cut through all the political noise and how to understand how we got here. Jen also interviewed the cohosts of the wildly popular “I’ve Had It” podcast, Angie “Pumps” Sullivan and Jennifer Welch. Their irreverent hot takes on the current state of our politics often go viral, and they didn’t hold back in their conversation with Jen. This is the Blueprint, live from MSNBCLIVE ‘25.

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Dems Need to Rethink Their Litmus Tests, with Greg Casar

Jen Psaki, Greg Casar, Lis Smith — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:25:00 +0000

On the second season of “The Blueprint,” Jen Psaki is convening rising stars and leading voices to hash out a viable playbook and identify the priorities that will help propel Democrats back into power. And each week, she kicks things off with a conversation with her friend and Democratic campaign strategist Lis Smith, who has advised dozens of candidates vying in races at the local level all the way to the White House.

To start off episode one of the new season, Jen and Lis discuss Maine Governor Janet Mills running for Senate and how the move potentially upends a must-win race for Democrats hoping to regain control in Washington. You’ll also hear from Texas Congressman Greg Casar, an ascending Democratic leader challenging the establishment who says, “if we're talking to people like we talk to them on a construction site, then we will be way better off as a party.”

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Introducing Season 2 of “The Blueprint”

Jen Psaki — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:20:00 +0000

Democrats are looking to regain power, and there is a whole lot of warranted debate about what a winning formula looks like. “The Blueprint with Jen Psaki” is a forum where those discussions take place. On season two of her podcast, Jen sits down with some of the biggest names on the left side of the political spectrum to talk about confronting Trump 2.0 and how the Democratic party can shape the future they’d like to see.

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"An Art of War Mindset" with Tim Ryan

Jen Psaki, Tim Ryan — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:15:00 +0000

Democrats would do well to listen to the leaders in their party who know how to communicate. Whether on the economy, green jobs, or the future of chip manufacturing, former Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan has a way of talking about these issues that resonates and makes sense to people. He joined Jen Psaki in this episode to share some insights into how Democrats can rethink and reframe the issues that matter most to the party. They also take a beat to talk about JD Vance, the nostalgia of small-town America and the importance of self-reflection to a party that lost.

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Insistence over Resistance, with Stacey Abrams

Jen Psaki, Stacey Abrams — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:10:00 +0000

The political reality is, Democrats are not in charge of anything right now in Washington. So, in this episode, MSNBC’s Jen Psaki wanted to check in with party organizer and fierce voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams about how Democrats can find their way out of the wilderness and prepare for the next wave of elections. Rather than resisting what is in front of them, Stacey talks about insisting on what Dems want to see from their leaders. And she frames up how to gather the fortitude to stand up for the world they want to see.

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Yes, the System is Rigged, with Gov. JB Pritzker

Jen Psaki, JB Pritzker — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:05:00 +0000

Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois is not your average progressive. He is a billionaire with an activist upbringing, in a family that prioritized advocating for the people who need it most. MSNBC's Jen Psaki wanted to get a sense of his approach to governing in this second Trump term and why priorities like raising the minimum wage and ending his state’s grocery tax are front of mind for him. They also talk about the reality of a rigged system and the dangerous precedent set when an unelected citizen like Elon Musk is running much of our government. And the Governor is not shy about reminding Democrats to revive a core principle of making things just a little bit easier for everyday Americans.

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Nobility Gets You Nowhere, with Jemele Hill

Jen Psaki, Jemele Hill — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Jemele Hill has made a name for herself speaking truth to power as a journalist. She is also masterful at synthesizing the intersection of sports and politics. During his first administration, Hill was willing to go where many of her peers wouldn’t when she famously called out Donald Trump. Jen Psaki sits down with the “Spolitics” host and Atlantic writer to get her take on what she thinks Democrats should be doing to show voters they are willing to fight back.

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Beware… the Echo Chamber, with Don Lemon

Jen Psaki, Don Lemon — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:55:00 +0000

In this episode, MSNBC’s Jen Psaki sits down with former CNN primetime anchor turned independent journalist, Don Lemon. Don talks about the new perspective he has gained from ditching the formality of a studio and becoming a leaner, meaner media machine. And they touch on how Democrats have been slower to catch up to the evolving media ecosystem. Don believes the Democratic party, despite their ‘big tent’ legacy, are shooting themselves in the foot by having some outdated purity tests that only isolate them further from voters they need to win over.

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Tell Us What You Really Think, Rahm Emanuel

Jen Psaki, Rahm Emanuel — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:50:00 +0000

In this episode, Jen Psaki talks with her former boss Rahm Emanuel about what he thinks Democrats need to do to win again. He offers his trademark candor on where Democrats slipped up in 2024, but also talks about what the future can look like. He stresses the value of who the messengers are, the damage of litmus tests to winning and the importance of running someone in every single race from school boards to Congress.

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Why are we so Cautious? with Jack Schlossberg

Jen Psaki, Jack Schlossberg — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:45:00 +0000

In this episode of “The Blueprint with Jen Psaki”, Jen sits down with social media darling and provocateur Jack Schlossberg to hone in on how conservatives have come to be the loudest voices online, while Democrats seem to have just ceded the ground. They talk about how to reach young voters – young men specifically – and why Dem’s reluctance to make mistakes has cost them.

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Flaws and All, with Gov. Wes Moore

Jen Psaki, Governor Wes Moore — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:40:00 +0000

Welcome to “The Blueprint with Jen Psaki,” a new podcast from MSNBC looking to shed some light on the state of the Democratic party and how to win again.

On this first episode, the conversation starts like many across the country– with football. Governor Wes Moore of Maryland is no stranger to the sport and his approach to the game often aligns with his approach to politics: be a team player, and if you see a play- be bold. Governor Moore talks about his life coming up in Maryland and what led him from the Robinhood Foundation to the Governor’s mansion. He and Jen also dig in to what it means to be a patriotic American, where the party can be bolder, and find optimism in authenticity as a winning factor.

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Introducing "The Blueprint with Jen Psaki"

Jen Psaki — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:35:00 +0000

As Democrats continue to dust themselves off after big losses in 2024, MSNBC’s Jen Psaki examines what’s next for the party. On “The Blueprint with Jen Psaki,” she dives into two crucial questions: where do Democrats stand in this moment? And how can they win again? With a format built for real conversations and necessary pushback, Jen sits down with some of the left’s biggest names to talk about confronting Trump 2.0 and how the party can shape the future they’d like to see. This is a space for edgy, honest discourse where Jen will go beyond political talking points to determine “the blueprint” for what lies ahead.

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The Aftermath

Claire McCaskill, Michael Steele, Symone Sanders Townsend, Alicia Menendez — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:30:00 +0000

There is no sugar-coating it, Democrats got walloped across the board. On "How to Win 2024", Senator Claire McCaskill is joined by hosts of MSNBC’s “The Weekend” to analyze the surprising margins of Trump’s win and what they mean for our democracy and our values. Michael Steele, Alicia Menendez and Symone Sanders Townsend team up with Claire to give some context to how this result unfolded, what to prepare for in a second Trump administration and ways big and small to keep up the fight to move progressive values forward.

And a note to our listeners: Thank you for your ear and your tireless interest in our democracy. This will be our final episode of "How to Win" for now. We may be back here with updates here and there as news warrants, but we’re taking a beat to figure out what this moment calls for and the best way to serve you. And if there are any updates in the future, you’ll be the first to know. So stay tuned to this feed!

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“Lawless vs Flawless”

Claire McCaskill, Symone Sanders Townsend, Steve Kornacki — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:25:00 +0000

One candidate called for unity and promised to be a leader for all Americans on the Ellipse. The other continued a grievance tour and promised mass deportations amid a “love fest” at MSG. On this last episode before the election, Senator Claire McCaskill is joined again by Symone Sanders Townsend, former senior advisor to Vice President Harris, and co-host of MSNBC’s The Weekend. They tally the closing arguments of both candidates and the incredible volume of dark money in this election. Then, NBC’s own data whiz and numbers guru Steve Kornacki stops by to frame up what to expect on election night and the day(s) after, how to think about the polling and what to take away from shifting early voting trends. And the last segment of this episode is for you- the voters. Claire and Symone urge you be patient, keep calm and carry on. And even if you’re not in a swing state, do not sit this one out.

Further Reading: As Claire and Symone mentioned, here is the Open Secrets tally of 2024’s biggest campaign contributors: Who are the Biggest Donors?

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Middle Huggers

Claire McCaskill, Michael Steele, Lauren Underwood — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:20:00 +0000

This week, Senator Claire McCaskill is joined by Michael Steele, former RNC Chair and co-host of MSNBC’s "The Weekend", to analyze both candidates' final stretch strategies, as millions of Americans on both sides of the aisle cast their votes early. Then, Illinois Congresswoman and registered nurse Lauren Underwood explains why-- beyond the Dobbs decision-- senior care, prescription drug prices, maternal care and healthcare affordability are all on the ballot. And before they wrap up, Claire and Michael spotlight the Republican voters who can’t stomach Trump but may be tepid on supporting Harris. Where are they? And will they show up?

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Calling Balls and Strikes

Claire McCaskill, Elise Jordan, Brian Schatz — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:15:00 +0000

With three weeks to go and early voting reaching record numbers, the campaigns are circling around their drastically disparate final pitches to voters. This week, MSNBC political analyst Elise Jordan joins former Senator Claire McCaskill to highlightTrump’s stark vision of the “enemies from within”, while Harris speaks to the center- and a combative Bret Baier on Fox News. Then, Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii lays out the vice president's framework to ease the housing crisis, what it means to go from NIMBY to YIMBY, and the importance of creating generational wealth for the next era of homebuyers. And lastly, Claire and Elise get to the heart of who to trust in the era of foreign interference, deepfakes and Trumpery.

Further Reading: Here is the Washington Post piece Claire and Elise spoke about that shares how to spot deepfakes as the election nears: AI is spawning a flood of fake Trump and Harris voices. Here’s how to tell what’s real.

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The Fallacy of Mass Deportation

Claire McCaskill, Brendan Buck, Alan Bersin — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:10:00 +0000

While both candidates continue to crisscross the nation’s battlegrounds, Vice President Harris is also doing something former President Trump is not: interviews in traditional and new media. This week, Republican communications veteran Brendan Buck joins former Senator Claire McCaskill to look at the media strategies of both campaigns, and why Trump continues to derail GOP efforts to embrace early voting. Then, former Border Czar, Alan Bersin, speaks to an 80% reduction in border crossings since the peak last December, why the failed bipartisan border bill was smart legislation and what a second Trump term would look like in practice for immigration reform. And Claire and Brendan end by batting around whether Coach Tim Walz is flipping the script on decades of Republicans decrying that Democrats are Ivy League elites, forming a new voting coalition in the process.

Further Reading: Here is the POLITICO Magazine piece Claire and Brendan were talking about:The Overlooked Demographic That Is a Huge Opportunity for Democrats

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Minnesota Nice

Claire McCaskill, Heidi Heitkamp, David Axelrod — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:05:00 +0000

After Tuesday’s Vice-presidential debate, viewers were left feeling some nostalgia from debates past: heavy on policy, politeness, and comity. This week, Claire McCaskill is joined once again by her friend and former Senate colleague Heidi Heitkamp. They tick through the particulars from a relatively genial debate, and while it won’t likely move the needle much, it exposed the two distinct faces of JD Vance. Then, former Obama chief strategist David Axelrod stops in to shed some light on what the Harris-Walz team should be laser-focused on in the final month of the campaign. And lastly, Heidi and Claire sift through three important stories emerging that could influence November, and how to navigate the impact of the stuff you can’t control in any campaign.

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Chickens and Ballots

Claire McCaskill, Michael Steele, Benjamin Hovland — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

With 40 days to go and voters paying attention, Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump are vying for the upper hand when it comes to their plans for the economy and border security. Former Senator Claire McCaskill distills who has the winning arguments with her co-host this week, former chair of the RNC and co-host of MSNBC’s The Weekend, Michael Steele. The duo then get some insights into the integrity of our election process and why we should all feel good about the safety and security of the vote, with Benjamin Hovland, Chairman of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. And before wrapping up, Claire and Michael explain why late September is the season for opposition research dumps, with some notable examples in North Carolina, Maryland and Ohio.

Further reading: As Claire mentioned, here is a Harris-Walz campaign fact sheet on their economic plan.

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Abortion is a Men’s Issue

Claire McCaskill, Symone Sanders Townsend, Oren Jacobson — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:55:00 +0000

After Sunday’s second apparent assassination attempt, former Senator Claire McCaskill and former Harris senior advisor Symone Sanders Townsend reflect on the volatility of the moment, and the importance of taking down the temperature, while not shying away from calling out incendiary comments intended to stoke the flames. Then, the co-founder of Men4Choice, Oren Jacobson, joins the dynamic duo to break down his mission to reframe reproductive choice from being a ‘women's issue’ to one that men fiercely advocate for as well. And lastly, as November inches closer and polls are dropping daily, a natural anxiety is ramping up among both campaigns. Claire and Symone dispense some wisdom on how to think about these snapshots that represent a moment in time.

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The Threat of Project 2025 on Climate

Chris Hayes, Vernon Morris, Zoya Teirstein — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:50:00 +0000

On the fourth and final episode of our “The Threat of Project 2025” series, Chris Hayes speaks with Grist climate reporter Zoya Teirstein for her take on Project 2025’s impact on climate and the environment, especially in communities already suffering from climate-related catastrophes. Then, Dr. Vernon Morris, a professor of chemistry and atmospheric sciences at Arizona State University, shares his experience working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the important work at stake should NOAA be dismantled by this conservative agenda.

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The Threat of Project 2025 on LGBTQ+ Rights

Jen Psaki, Chase Strangio, Debi Jackson — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:45:00 +0000

On the third episode of “The Threat of Project 2025,” Jen Psaki speaks with the ACLU’s Deputy Director for Transgender Justice, Chase Strangio, to discuss Project 2025’s specific language against LGBTQ+ people and how its policies aim to criminalize trans existence. Then, a look at the real-life consequences for trans people and their families who have been displaced due to restrictive bans on gender-affirming care as Jen speaks to Debi Jackson, a mom who’s been fighting for the safety of her child.

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Confidence and Competence

Claire McCaskill, Elise Jordan, Adrienne Elrod — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:40:00 +0000

67.1 million people tuned in Tuesday night to see how Vice President Kamala Harris’ vision for America would contrast with former President Donald Trump’s. And, by all accounts, she met the moment. This week, former Senator Claire McCaskill is joined by MSNBC political analyst Elise Jordan to talk about what the Cheney's and Taylor Swift have in common, and Harris’ need to get specific on her economic message to sway those still undecided voters. Then: Harris campaign senior advisor and spokesperson Adrienne Elrod shares the inside scoop on how the campaign team viewed the vice president’s debate performance and what they are focused on in this final sprint to November.

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The Threat of Project 2025 on Education

Joy Reid, Michael Harriot, Marvin Dunn, Hugh D. Shine — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:35:00 +0000

On this second episode of “The Threat of Project 2025,” Joy Reid speaks with theGrio’s Michael Harriot on how the history of segregation in education has echoes today, and how Project 2025 is part of that legacy. Then, a look at how educators, like Dr. Marvin Dunn at Florida International University, are making sure students are properly educated in the face of restrictive policies. And Texas Representative Hugh D. Shine fights against members of his own party in the debate on vouchers and funding for public schools.

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The Threat of Project 2025 on Abortion

Ali Velshi, Michele Goodwin, Amanda Zurawski — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:30:00 +0000

Under a second Donald Trump presidency, The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 would provide a blueprint for carrying out extreme policies. But in many parts of the country, these restrictive policies are already in effect and Project 2025 would simply expand these threats to multiple facets of American life. In this first episode of How to Win’s series, “The Threat of Project 2025,” Ali Velshi unpacks the alarming agenda for reproductive rights, including the criminalization of mailing abortion pills and eliminating the Department of Health and Human Services. Ali speaks with Amanda Zurawski, who nearly lost her life when she was denied an emergency abortion in Texas, and Georgetown law professor Dr. Michele Goodwin highlights the history of policing women’s reproductive rights, underscoring the broader threat to American democracy.

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"Male, Pale and Stale"

Claire McCaskill, Symone Sanders Townsend, Laphonza Butler — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:25:00 +0000

The Harris-Walz team is firing on all cylinders heading into a final campaign blitz with two months to go. This week, MSNBC host and Vice President Harris’ former senior advisor Symone Sanders Townsend joins former Senator Claire McCaskill for an insiders’ take on the vice president’s tireless campaign strategy, in contrast with the meandering, sometimes incoherent rally speeches Donald Trump has been delivering this cycle. Then, California Senator Laphonza Butler stops in to talk about the evolving labor movement and a working-class economy being central to Harris’ pitch. Lastly, Symone and Claire preview next Tuesday’s high-stakes debate, from two women who have been in the room, prepping for debates past.

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Vying for Voters on the Fence

Claire McCaskill, Charlie Dent, Trymaine Lee — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:20:00 +0000

Claire McCaskill welcomes former Pennsylvania Congressman Charlie Dent as her co-host this week. Together, they lay out a framework for how to reach the battleground state of Pennsylvania. Then, Trymaine Lee, MSNBC correspondent and host of the podcast Into America joins to discuss how Black male voters are feeling about the candidates this election; and how, if it all, their voices are represented within the major parties. Then, a look ahead at tonight’s CNN interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, her first as the Democratic nominee. And we’ll wrap up with a conversation on the future of the Republican Party.

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"We're in the Coconut Grove"

Claire McCaskill, Tim Miller, Cedric Richmond — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:15:00 +0000

The energy and enthusiasm of this week was infectious, but with the fanfare of the Democratic National Convention in the rearview, the campaign is gearing up for the battle to come. The Bulwark’s Tim Miller joins former Senator Claire McCaskill to reflect on their favorite moments of the week, as they talk through strategies the vice president should consider as she moves forward with momentum well earned. Then, Harris-Walz campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond stops by for some perspective from inside the campaign.

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Flailing Within the Margin of Error

Claire McCaskill, David Wasserman, Heidi Heitkamp — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:10:00 +0000

Despite a party-wide effort urging Trump to pivot to policy, he just can’t seem to muster the discipline to talk about any issues. And for two former Senators who know the focus it takes to win a competitive race, it’s wild to watch. This week, former Senator Claire McCaskill’s Senate colleague Heidi Heitkamp joins her as guest-host. After weighing the latest musings from JD Vance’s audio vault, the two ‘post-menopausal grandmas' remind him that older women are still able to vote. Claire also asks Heidi to give some perspective on the unique opportunity the Harris-Walz team has to reach rural voters. Then, Cook Political Report’s Dave Wasserman stops by for a deep dive into the latest Harris-Trump polling, how to understand the margin-of-error in a given sample, and how the down-ballot races are shaping up after the shift to the vice president's candidacy.

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Mac n’ Cheese and a Trip to the Hardware Store

Claire McCaskill, David Jolly, Jonathan Martin — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:05:00 +0000

After another compelling week for Democrats, Vice President Kamala Harris hit the road with her newly minted running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. To illuminate the upshot of the pick strategically, Former Senator Claire McCaskill is joined by guest co-host David Jolly, former Congressman of Florida’s 13th District. The pair analyze the shifting dynamics in the race, which had been Trump's to lose, and why Harris has been underestimated in the past. Then, they’re joined by Politico’s politics bureau chief Jonathan Martin, who attended Walz’ debut in Philadelphia, to glean what he brings to the ticket and how the Trump campaign is responding.

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The Best Defense is a Good Offense

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Alexis McGill Johnson — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

There is a lightness and an ease felt by Former Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri, as Vice President Kamala Harris continues to flip the script on Trump’s most tired tactics. From demurring on setting a debate, to questioning Harris’ racial identity, the vice president’s responses have been pitch-perfect. And as we dip below the 100-day mark, access to reproductive healthcare is on the minds of many-- especially for women in states with near or total abortion bans. President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Alexis McGill Johnson, joins Claire to lay out what the 2024 reproductive map looks like, where state ballot initiatives to codify Roe are happening this fall, and the real threat Trump’s Project 2025 poses to restricting care nationwide.

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Enthusiasm is Everything

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Tim Walz — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:55:00 +0000

In a record-breaking week, Kamala Harris has united the Democratic party behind her, with significant momentum and grassroots support. Former Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri liken it to the energy felt in the Obama campaign, especially as online support grows organically among younger voters. They also take a beat to reflect on President Biden’s heartfelt address to the nation Wednesday night, and the legacy he leaves after decades of public service. Then, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz stops by, to chat veepstakes, explain the Democratic Convention rules, and highlight some important governors' races to watch in November. And lastly, Claire and Jen dispel the myth of the vice president as a ‘DEI’ candidate with a reality check: JD Vance is the candidate who’s been handed everything he has.

Further reading: As promised, here is Governor Tim Walz’ winning hotdish recipe from the Minnesota Congressional Delegation’s Hotdish Off: Turkey Trot Tater Tot Hotdish.

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Biden's Historic Exit

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:50:00 +0000

A rocky few weeks for the Democrats culminated in Sunday’s extraordinary statement from President Joe Biden, announcing an end to his candidacy. As he did so, he made space for the next generation of Democratic leaders, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to head the ticket. As the dust settles, former Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri react to the president’s decision, and take stock of what’s next after Harris announced her intent to run and bring the party together to win.

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Convening and Kvetching

Jen Palmieri, Claire McCaskill, Sam Stein — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:45:00 +0000

This podcast is all about winning in November, so how does that happen in the political climate of this volatile week? The narrative from Democrats has been evolving each day– soFormer Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri walk us through it. Then, The Bulwark's managing editor Sam Stein stops by, after a week on the ground in Milwaukee for the GOP Convention. They note several strange themes that emerged from the gathering of Republicans, as well as the disconnect between JD Vance’s worldview and Trump’s. Butthe biggest takeaway was the importance of not losing sight of the stakes this November, as Democrats figure out a path forward.

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Addition, Not Subtraction

Jennifer Palmieri, Mark McKinnon, Vaughn Hillyard — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:40:00 +0000

Senator Claire McCaskill is away this week, so former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri tapped another former co-host to join, veteran GOP strategist and creator of “The Circus”, Mark McKinnon. As President Biden hosts a NATO summit in Washington, all Beltway eyes are focused on whether he has staying power as the Democratic nominee. So, Jen and Mark zero in on how keenly lawmakers and pundits are tracking the shifting winds of that calculation. And NBC correspondent Vaughn Hillyard previews the Republican Convention set to begin Monday, and the many unknowns still hanging in the air—including who is speaking, how strongly they embrace Project 2025, and who Trump will choose as his running mate.

A Note: Next week, we’ll be recording and releasing on Friday so we can break down the Republican Convention as a whole. In the meantime, we'll be sharing audio of MSNBC's coverage in this feed for people to stay up to date during the convention next week.

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Gaming Out Doomsday Scenarios

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Dahlia Lithwick — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:35:00 +0000

The fallout from last week’s doozy of a debate continues, with voters, party leaders and donors all working to figure out if Joe Biden is still their guy. This, as a devastating Supreme Court term ends after several extraordinary rulings that will reverberate for years to come. Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri wade through all the feelings, and what Biden needs to do to reassure voters and the Democratic party that he is equipped to stay in the race. Then, Slate senior editor Dahlia Lithwick joins to connect the dots on why the Supreme Court decisions on immunity, Chevron and EMTALA lay bare the adage that elections have consequences, and the makeup of the Court is chief among them. And lastly, Claire and Jen game out the logistics of how the party rules would actually work if President Biden did exit the race.

Also: a note about the post-debate CNN poll mentioned in this episode: both Claire and Jen were right. In this data set taken after the debate, Kamala Harris was running two points behind Donald Trump (45%-47%), while Joe Biden was running six points behind Donald Trump (43%-49%). Both of these are within the margin of error.

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Biden’s Debate Disaster: What’s Next?

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Stuart Stevens — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:30:00 +0000

So that happened...the first presidential debate of 2024 is now officially in the books, and it did not go well for President Biden. Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri are joined by the Lincoln Project’s Stuart Stevens to break down everything that happened between the two candidates in Atlanta. The How to Win team looks at the state of panic among Democrats and dig into how this night will impact the next phase of the presidential campaign for both candidates.

Also, an exciting announcement! On Saturday, September 7th, MSNBC will be hosting a live event in Brooklyn called “MSNBC Live: Democracy 2024”. It will be your chance to hear thought-provoking conversations about the most pressing issues of our time, and to do so in person with some of your favorite MSNBC hosts. Visit https://www.msnbc.com/DEMOCRACY2024 to learn more.

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Scrappy Scranton Joe

Brent Booker, Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:25:00 +0000

It’s a scorcher in much of the US, and everyone’s feeling the heat. Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri drill down on how to frame Biden’s important executive action that builds on the work of DACA, and how Trump’s Milwaukee comment is playing amid lower crime stats in many of our biggest cities. And the dynamic duo shares some insightful debate prep in anticipation of next week’s ‘Superbowl’ of politics. Then, Laborers Union General President Brent Booker stops by for an inside view of the importance of union work to our lives and our economy, and what his members are most concerned about.

**And a note to listeners: We’ll be releasing our next episode on Friday instead of our usual Thursday, so we can give you some post-debate takeaways.**

Further reading: Here is the 2024 gun violence analysis from the Center of American Progress: Early 2024 Data Show Promising Signs of Another Historic Decline in Gun Violence, based on data from the Gun Violence Archive.

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Stark Contrasts, Steep Prices

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Jon Tester — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:20:00 +0000

Is retribution a winning campaign issue? That’s the question Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri want to answer this week. And the striking contrast of the two presidential candidates comes into sharper focus: while one meets with G7 world leaders after honoring the fallen heroes of D-Day, the other tells his supporters he doesn’t care about them, he just needs their vote. Then: what is more of a kitchen table issue to voters than stubbornly high food prices? Montana Senator Jon Tester sits down with Claire and Jen to lay bare the effects of corporate consolidation on food production and what it means for your next grocery run.

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Pride and Prejudices

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Kelley Robinson — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:15:00 +0000

What a difference a week makes. Last Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri spoke, the jury was deliberating, and now the contrast of the two incumbents is in stark relief. The pair frame how to talk about running against an opponent found guilty on 34 criminal counts, and how desperate Republicans seem to be-- to undermine our judicial system and call for retribution, just to curry favor with Trump. Then Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign, joins to kick off Pride Month and zero in on what issues are most urgent for LGBTQ+ voters. And before signing off, Claire and Jen take a beat to lay out the hard but necessary executive action President Biden took this week to stem the flow of immigrants crossing the border illegally, as the GOP stand idly by.

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Building a Killer Ground Game

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:10:00 +0000

There’s been a lot of hand wringing this week as Democrats read Chicken Little headlines, leading to some nerves about Biden’s prospects this fall. But Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri seek to calm the waters and highlight what Biden has going for him beyond his legislative record: laying the foundation for a robust ground game operation. Guy Cecil, former head of the Super PAC Priorities USA, joins this episode to describe what a sturdy operation looks like on the ground and how to use SuperPAC money to get your message out. We may not like dark money in our elections, but as Claire says, this is the hand we’ve been dealt- so we've got to play it.

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Don’t Sleep on the Swing Voter

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Barbara McQuade — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:05:00 +0000

When thinking about how to win 2024, don’t sleep on the swing voter. That’s the takeaway Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri hope to get across. But it’s a “Yes, and...” scenario. Biden needs to keep touting his wins on the economy and jobs, while highlighting where Republicans are blocking progress: on reforms to immigration and policing. Then, former U.S. Attorney and law professor Barbara McQuade stops in to recap the highs and lows from Donald Trump’s criminal trial as the jury preps for deliberations next week. And beyond the legal impact, Claire and Jen take a beat to analyze the political impact the jury’s decision will have this fall.

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Cranes in the Sky and Voters on the Ground

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Deborah Scott — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

As Michael Cohen testified against Trump in Manhattan, Biden notched a win by setting the parameters for two presidential debates. Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri break down this week's primary results and why healthcare should stay front and center in the 2024 campaign. Then, Deborah Scott of Georgia STAND-UP shares what her organization is doing to energize voting coalitions in her state, as new waves of voter suppression tactics keep crashing ashore. Lastly, Claire and Jen highlight the unsexy, but sorely needed infrastructure projects that the Biden administration is building to make our water cleaner, our roads safer and to bring US manufacturing into the 21st century.

Further reading:

Here is the map the White House released, showing the more than 56,000 infrastructure projects and awards that are identified or now underway.

Here are the state by state fact sheets to see how money is being spent in your state. Go look for what's happening in your neck of the woods!

Further Watching:

Deborah Scott, along with other grassroots community leaders are featured in the MSNBC Films documentary: Battleground Georgia. The film breaks down the complex history of voting across the South and how Georgia came to lead the charge in this pivotal political moment. You can watch Battleground Georgia this Sunday, May 19 at 9pm Eastern on MSNBC.

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Six Months Out

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Marc Elias — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:55:00 +0000

Six months out from the election, and a few issues are converging. Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri drill down on what’s working and what President Biden needs to focus on around a few key issues like immigration, the war in Gaza and reproductive rights. And after Senator Tim Scott tied himself in knots to avoid saying he’d accept the 2024 election results, it's a good time to check in with elections lawyer Marc Elias about coming legal shenanigans. Claire and Marc highlight lawsuits brought by the RNC that aim to sow doubt in election integrity ahead of the fall, and how to stand up to right wing vigilantism at the ballot box.

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The Kids Are Alright

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:50:00 +0000

What do the newest generation of voters want? What engages them and motivates them? This is a question that's central to 2024, as protests over Gaza continue on college campuses nationwide. Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri check in with Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez, Executive Director of NextGen America, to get at the heart of how to reach this important constituency. And a review of Trump’s Time magazine profile, in which he’s telling voters exactly who he is. Then, the campaign pros zoom in on Arizona as a case study of the converging issues that will be central in November.

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On the Trail and on Trial

Michele Goodwin, Jennifer Palmieri, Claire McCaskill — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:45:00 +0000

An extraordinary phase of the 2024 race unfolding this week as Donald Trump finds himself stuck in a Manhattan courtroom and the focus of historic Supreme Court arguments, while President Biden sprints across a major battleground state. Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri zero in on that stunning split screen and what it could mean for the presidential race. Plus, Claire and Jen talk to constitutional law professor Michele Goodwin about the chipping away of reproductive freedom and how that could also shape the election.

Further reading: Here is the map Jen mentioned, showing where reproductive rights stand, state by state.

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Trials and Tribulations

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Joyce Vance — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:40:00 +0000

"We have our jury,” announced Judge Juan Merchan late Thursday as the historic trial against the former president continues. Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri explore the heart of the case and underscore the finer points of jury selection (voir dire) with former US attorney and law professor Joyce Vance. Plus, a look at Biden’s three-day stop in Pennsylvania and Speaker Johnson’s big bet on bringing foreign aid votes to the floor this weekend.

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Bringing the 1800s into 2024

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Chris Hayes — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:35:00 +0000

This week, as Biden announced a new student debt relief plan, Trump waffled on his reproductive rights position. Former Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri drill down on the implications of both for 2024. Then, MSNBC’s All In host Chris Hayes stops by to talk shop about a new recurring series on his Why Is This Happening? podcast. Claire, Jen and Chris highlight the unique moment we’re in: for the first time in over a century, we have two candidates that have presidential records to compare and contrast.

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A Playbook Full of Silver Linings

Jennifer Palmieri, Claire McCaskill, Daria Dawson — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:30:00 +0000

Tensions are elevated as protests continue in Israel and Trump is scrambling for cash. This week, former Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri offer Team Biden the strategy of walking and chewing gum at the same time. Then, Daria Dawson, Executive Director of America Votes, joins to highlight how the organization is working to mobilize voters this fall. Lastly, Claire and Jen break down the ripple effects both Florida Supreme Court decisions will have on abortion access, now and in the longer term. The stakes are incredibly high for reproductive rights.

Content warning: In this episode, there is discussion about the rape and incest exceptions in the Florida six-week abortion ban that might be triggering for some listeners, so please listen with care.

For further reading:

Here is a map showing where reproductive rights stand, state by state.
And here is the Vanity Fair article Jen was talking about: Inside the Terrifyingly Competent Trump 2024 Campaign.

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What’s Past is Prologue for Presidential Norms

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Michael Beschloss — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:25:00 +0000

As we get closer to Trump's first criminal trial, Former Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri sit down for a conversation with NBC News presidential historian Michael Beschloss on how former president Trump has changed long held presidential traditions, and how history will judge this time. The focus then shifts to compare and contrast how former presidents have worked with (or against) the American legal system when they have been accused of crimes or impeached in Congress.

Note: This conversation was recorded on Friday, May 22.

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Spoiler Alerts and Deepfakes

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Adrian Fontes — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:20:00 +0000

Five more states held primaries this week, and former Vice President Pence joined the growing list of Trump’s former cabinet members that just can’t back him in 2024. Former Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri analyze the trends and the importance of Biden’s effort to court Latino voters. Then, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes stops in to share what his team is doing to expose the use of generative A.I. to spread misinformation in our elections. Plus: why we need to pay attention to RFK Jr’s candidacy.

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What the Polls Actually Say

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, John Lapinski — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:15:00 +0000

President Biden and Vice President Harris are hitting the road. Former Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri weigh in on the post-State of the Union tour, including the Veep’s stop at an abortion clinic in Minnesota. And they get into Majority Leader Schumer’s direct call for new elections in Israel. Then, NBC’s Director of Elections, John Lapinski stops in to pull apart how to think about polling in 2024. And Claire and Jen shine a light on former Trump voters who are looking elsewhere.

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A Third-Party Run Helps an Army of Extremists

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Matt Bennett — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:10:00 +0000

Though 2024’s Super Tuesday issued few surprises, there were nuanced insights for Democrats and troubling signs for Trump. Former Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri look at lessons learned from the 15 state contests. Then, Third Way’s Matt Bennett joins to detail No Labels' well publicized gathering that is not opened to the public, to decide if they’ll enter a third-party candidate into the race. Finally, Claire and Jen shine a light on Project 2025- a Christian nationalist agenda laying the groundwork behind the scenes in preparation for a Trump 2nd term.

Note: We reached out to No Labels for comment. As of the time of publication they have not responded.

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Live from 92NY!

Jennifer Palmieri, Claire McCaskill, Katy Tur — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:05:00 +0000

On a special “How To Win 2024’ edition, live from the 92nd Street Y, MSNBC’s Katy Tur hosts former Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jen Palmieri to talk about Biden’s record, Trump’s base of support and what's at stake in the coming presidential election. Among the issues they touch on: the war in Gaza, the Alabama IVF ruling, the immigration stalemate, and the Supreme Court decision to hear Trump’s immunity claim. Plus: questions from the audience bring some somber moments and lots of laughter.

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A Super, Stupor Tuesday

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Michael Steele — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

With Michigan and South Carolina in the rear view, former Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Comms Director Jen Palmieri digest the results from their unique perspective, diverging from much of the media coverage. And onward to Super Tuesday with former Lt. Governor and Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele. They talk about Nikki Haley’s odds, the departure of Ronna McDaniel and Mitch McConnell from GOP party leadership, and how to think about the tumult among Republicans in the House.

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Abortion and Guns and Russia, Oh My!

Mayor Quinton Lucas, Jennifer Palmieri, Claire McCaskill — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:55:00 +0000

After a week that saw the Alabama Supreme Court decide that frozen embryos are children and Joe Manchin decide against a third-party run, Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Comms Director Jen Palmieri dig into the week's ups and downs through their unique strategy lens. They also welcome Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas to detail a healing community in the wake of gun violence in his city, and how to approach common sense gun reform solutions. Plus: a spotlight on Russia’s continued efforts to put their thumb on the scale of the 2024 election, as pro-democracy advocates mourn the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

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Let’s Talk About Biden’s Age

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:50:00 +0000

Getting into their campaign mode three-point stance, Senator Claire McCaskill and White House Comms Director Jen Palmieri shift gears to look at the biggest news of the week from their unique comms and strategy lens. And after last week’s report from Special Counsel Hur that's put a spotlight on Biden, veteran prosecutor Andrew Weissmann talks about the politics of what should not have been a political report. Then, Claire and Jen rip off the band aid to speak directly about Biden’s age and candidacy, and what to say when people ask if Dems should be looking to another candidate for President.

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Bidenomics 101

Jennifer Palmieri, Claire McCaskill, Jason Furman — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:45:00 +0000

After a week of epic fails from the House and Senate GOP on Mayorkas and immigration, Sen. Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri highlight the significant chasm between Biden and Trump’s campaign coffers. Like Biden, the country’s economic picture is pretty rosy, so why does their guest, economist Jason Furman, think Biden is trailing Trump on the economy? And why does Nikki Haley keep insisting the presidential race comes down to her vs. Kamala Harris? Claire and Jen dig in.

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Is it a Caucus or is it a Primary?

Jennifer Palmieri, Claire McCaskill — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:40:00 +0000

Former Senator Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri dig into the week's biggest stories from the campaign trail including Nikki Haley's new “Grumpy Old Men” ad campaign and Liz Cheney trolling on X. Also, this week, the House impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas takes shape, despite conservatives like Alan Dershowitz saying it’s a bad idea. Jon Ralston, founder and CEO of The Nevada Independent, also stops by to look ahead to the complicated primaries in Nevada. Plus, they shine a spotlight President Biden's intensified campaign efforts that include a $250 million ad blitz and a shift in tone on border issues.

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Dark Money and Bidenology

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:35:00 +0000

With the New Hampshire primary in the rearview, Senator Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri break down what the results from the Granite state mean for Nikki Haley, Donald Trump and Joe Biden. And NBC’s resident Biden-ologist Mike Memoli stops in for a look at what the Biden re-election campaign is up to, and what core issues he needs to address with voters. Plus: A spotlight on the No Labels effort to get a third-party candidate on the ballot without disclosing donors or who they will put forward as their nominee.

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Next up, New Hampshire

Jennifer Horn, Jennifer Palmieri, Claire McCaskill — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Donald Trump won big in Monday’s Iowa Caucuses leaving Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley far behind. Former Senator Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri analyze Trump’s win and explain why it may not be the landslide his campaign is touting. Plus: a look ahead to the upcoming New Hampshire primary, where the race is up for grabs given the state's high percentage of independent voters. For that, Claire and Jen are joined by the former chair of the New Hampshire Republican Party, Jennifer Horn. And a spotlight on the tightrope the Biden administration is walking to ease tensions in the Middle East.

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Iowa Decides as the Border Crisis Divides

Jennifer Palmieri, Claire McCaskill — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:25:00 +0000

December was a record month for migrants crossing the US/Mexico border, and the crisis is only getting more amplified as Republicans hold Biden’s border spending bill hostage. In today’s episode, former Senator Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri talk with El Paso Congresswoman Veronica Escobar about how Dems can lead on this issue and hold Republicans accountable. And looking ahead to the Iowa Caucuses, an insider’s read on what to watch from two women who have lived it.

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Who Will Be Trump’s VP?

Sarah Longwell, Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:20:00 +0000

Kristi Noem? Nancy Mace? Tucker Carlson? It appears increasingly likely that Donald Trump will be the GOP presidential nominee, so who will he pick as his running mate? Former Sen. Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri dive into the nightmare scenarios, the more realistic options, and who he might be considering with Bulwark publisher and GOP strategist Sarah Longwell..

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The Worst Republican Votes of 2023

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Katherine Clark — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:15:00 +0000

From anti-abortion measures to restricting care for transgender troops to (likely) authorizing an impeachment inquiry into President Biden. Democratic Whip Katherine Clark joins former Sen. Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri for a year-end roundup of House Republicans’ worst votes of 2023 that could haunt them in 2024.

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Tackling Your 2024 Questions

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:10:00 +0000

2024 is almost here and so is primary season. Before things kick into full gear with the Iowa caucuses in January, Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri are answering your political (and your not-so-political) questions – about how to combat waning interest in President Biden, who might make the ticket as former President Trump’s running mate, and how Travis Kelce scored a date with Taylor Swift.

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Abortion Outrage

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Christina Reynolds — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:05:00 +0000

Earlier this week, the Texas Supreme Court ruled against a pregnant woman in Dallas seeking an abortion following a fatal fetal diagnosis. The ruling prompted outcries from abortion-rights activists across the country. Former Sen. Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri are joined by Christina Reynolds of EMILYs List to break down what happened in Texas and look ahead to how the push for abortion access will influence political races in 2024. Plus, they shine a spotlight on voters’ climate change concerns following this week’s COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai.

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Trump’s Second Term Threats with Dan Pfeiffer

Dan Pfeiffer, Claire McCaskill — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000

In recent weeks, Donald Trump has made his plans for a second term clear: he wants to use the military on domestic soil, repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act and increase deportation efforts – to name a few. Former Senior Advisor to President Obama, Dan Pfeiffer, joins former Sen. Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri to take a closer look at Trump’s second term threats. Plus, they shine a spotlight on the rising concerns at the US southern border.

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What Young Voters Want

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Anderson Clayton — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:55:00 +0000

Younger voters have steadily backed the Democratic Party for years, but support for the Biden Administration has faltered. What are young people looking for in 2024? Former Sen. Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri are joined by North Carolina Democratic Party Chair, Anderson Clayton, to find out how Biden can win over voters in this key group. Plus, they shine a spotlight on The Affordable Care Act and new reporting by ABC News that reveals Senator Chuck Grassley almost replaced then Vice President Mike Pence in the counting of electoral votes on Jan. 6, 2021. Grassley claims to have only learned of the scheme when they were "publicly reported many months later."

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The Third-Party Threat

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Matt Bennett — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:50:00 +0000

Democrats are becoming increasingly concerned by the growing number of third-party candidates who could run in 2024. Jennifer Palmieri and former Sen. Claire McCaskill take a deep dive into the potential spoilers. Plus, Third Way’s Matt Bennett warns Jen and Claire about something they had no idea about!

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The GOP's Culture of Violence

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Rob Flaherty — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:45:00 +0000

While Republicans were busy fighting each other in the House and inside Senate hearings this week, Democrats worked together to avert a government shutdown. Former Sen. Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri explain what they see as the GOP's culture of violence and what Democrats need to do to keep control of the Senate in 2024. Plus, President Biden’s Deputy Campaign Manager, Rob Flaherty, joins to talk about the president’s digital campaign strategy.

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Big Wins and Small Debates

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:40:00 +0000

Donald Trump's rivals took aim at each other in the third GOP debate while the ex-president mocked them from afar. Former Sen. Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri explain why they think the debate “means squat.” Plus, VA Sen. Tim Kaine joins us to discuss Democrats’ big wins on election night and what the party needs to do to win in 2024.

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How to West Win

Jennifer Palmieri, Andrew Weissmann, Bradley Whitford — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:35:00 +0000

In a special episode, Jennifer Palmieri and the West Wing’s Bradley Whitford break down this week’s 2024 winners and losers, including what Mike Pence’s exit from the race means for the GOP and why MN Rep. Dean Phillips’ long-shot primary challenge against President Biden could backfire. Plus, MSNBC legal analyst Andrew Weissmann joins us to dig into Donald Trump’s hellish legal week and what his growing legal woes could mean for 2024.

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Got Questions?

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:30:00 +0000

How can Democrats do a better job of messaging to voters? Which party is hurt more by Independent candidates? And are poll numbers as helpful as pundits claim? In this episode, Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri answer your listener questions.

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Campaigning from the Courtroom

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, jen psaki — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:25:00 +0000

President Biden makes his second trip to an active war zone -- his most dangerous trip yet. Jennifer Palmieri and Claire McCaskill talk to MSNBC’s Jen Psaki about the reasons behind Biden’s decision to visit Israel and how he navigates this tricky situation ahead of 2024. Plus, Donald Trump seems to be trapped in a real-life episode of “Law & Order,” spending more and more time in a courtroom. But why don’t his supporters care? We’ll get into it.

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Israeli War Rocks 2024 Race

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Steve Kornacki — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:20:00 +0000

The Israel-Hamas war is already shaking up the 2024 race, with President Biden projecting a strong image on the world stage while Donald Trump faces major backlash for praising Hezbollah. Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri warn about possible parallels with the Iraq War and dig into how that could change the election. Plus, Steve Kornacki is back to tell us which party should be more worried about RFK Jr.’s third-party run.

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"A Situation of Incredible Dysfunction"

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Mike Lawler — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:15:00 +0000

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) joins Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri to break down the ousting of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and what it means for the Republican party and 2024. Plus, this week’s spotlight on two women from across the ideological spectrum: Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-CA).

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The "Kiddie Table" Debate

Ron Klain, Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:10:00 +0000

Debate guru Ron Klain joins Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri to discuss the winners and losers of the 2nd GOP debate and what it could mean for President Biden’s re-election campaign. Plus, what he thinks about House Republicans’ impeachment effort that polls show voters want nothing to do with.

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The MAGA Car Wreck

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:05:00 +0000

Jennifer Palmieri and Claire McCaskill break down this week’s winners and losers on the campaign trail, including how Rep. Lauren Boebert’s public groping session could doom her party in 2024. Plus, how Donald Trump’s abortion comments may have provided an opening for his GOP rivals in Iowa and at the second Republican primary debate.

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"Kevin McCarthy is Screwed”

Claire McCaskill, Jennifer Palmieri, Steve Kornacki — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

How do you win an unprecedented election that could see a criminally indicted ex-president take on the current Commander in Chief? How do you win crucial down-ballot races that will ultimately shape the power dynamics for whoever wins the White House? And how do you win over voters – of ANY party -- when mistrust in leadership is at an all-time high? Our hosts, Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri, are two of the most well-respected voices in American politics today and have some ideas.

On the first episode of “How to Win 2024” they talk to Steve Kornacki about President Biden’s tough poll numbers and analyze how his team can still push forward to victory. Plus, why Claire says she’d rather be at Rikers Island than be House Speaker Kevin McCarthy for the next 30 days.

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